Is AI Making Us Dumb

An article came out this week that reminded me of a similar article in 2008 entitled “Is Google Making us stupid” by Carr (2008). The article this week is similarly entitled, “Is AI Making Us Dumb” by Silberling (2025). This article was actually a summary of the original article entitled, “The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking: Self-Reported Reductions in Cognitive Effort and Confidence Effects From a Survey of Knowledge Workers” by Lee et al. (2025). This week I would like to connect these articles to what we know about how we learn.

The scholarly discussion surrounding the cognitive effects of generative AI (GenAI) aligns closely with the arguments presented in Nicholas Carr’s 2008 article, "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" Carr argues that the internet, particularly Google’s ability to provide instantaneous access to information, is reshaping human cognition by diminishing our capacity for deep reading and critical thinking. Similarly, the recent study from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University explores how reliance on GenAI at work impacts cognitive faculties, specifically critical thinking skills. Both discussions highlight the tension between convenience and cognitive effort, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of overdependence on technology for intellectual tasks.

Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, 1988) provides a useful framework for understanding these concerns. The theory suggests that human cognitive capacity is limited, and excessive reliance on external tools, such as GenAI, may alter the way we allocate mental resources. When we depend on GenAI to generate responses, the cognitive effort may shift from higher-order thinking—such as analyzing and synthesizing information—to verification of GenAI outputs. This shift aligns with Carr’s assertion that internet users are increasingly skimming information rather than engaging in deep, reflective thought. In both cases, technology reduces the mental effort required for complex problem-solving, potentially weakening cognitive engagement over time.

Neuroscientific research on neuroplasticity supports the idea that repeated behaviors shape brain function. Carr’s argument about the internet’s effect on deep thinking suggests that prolonged exposure to quick, fragmented information processing could rewire neural pathways, making sustained concentration more difficult. Similarly, the study on GenAI suggests that habitual reliance on AI-generated outputs may atrophy cognitive "musculature," leaving individuals unprepared for complex problem-solving when GenAI fails. This aligns with Hebb’s (1949) principle that "neurons that fire together, wire together," implying that cognitive abilities not actively used may weaken over time.

From an educational perspective, Vygotsky’s (1978) theory of the Zone of Proximal Development suggests that learning occurs most effectively when individuals are challenged just beyond their current capabilities. If GenAI tools remove cognitive struggle from tasks, they may limit opportunities for intellectual growth. Where professional development depends on continuous learning and adaptation, overreliance on GenAI could hinder the acquisition of critical thinking skills necessary for complex decision-making.

The parallels between Carr’s concerns about the internet and the findings from the Carnegie Mellon study on GenAI suggest that while GenAI offers efficiency and convenience, it may come at the cost of cognitive engagement. By reducing the need for deep analytical thought, GenAI tools risk weakening independent problem-solving abilities. To mitigate these effects, individuals must maintain metacognitive awareness and actively engage in critical thinking, ensuring that GenAI serves as an aid rather than a replacement for human cognition. The challenge moving forward lies in balancing GenAI integration with strategies that preserve and strengthen critical cognitive skills.

References

Hao-Ping (Hank) Lee, H., Sarkar, A.,  Tankelevich, L., Drosos, I., Rintel, S., Banks, R., & Wilson, N. (2025). The Impact of Generative AI on Critical Thinking: Self-Reported Reductions in Cognitive Effort and Confidence Effects From a Survey of Knowledge Workers” by  Proceedings of the ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems | April 2025. Published by ACM. DOI